CLASS OF 2026 | FROM Page 1 Drawing inspiration from advice given by playwright and composer Lin-Manuel Miranda to students participating in Revere High School’s fi rst musical production in more than three decades, Bowen reminded students of a message painted inside the school auditorium: “Remember to be a community every second you’re on stage.” Bowen encouraged graduates to look beyond their accomplishments and recognize the countless individuals who contributed to their success, from family members and teachers to mentors, friends, and even those who challenged them along the way. “Our society loves to recognize individual achievement,” Bowen said. “But none of us gets far alone. Every opportunity we have is shaped by relationships.” CityLab Innovation High School Principal Dr. Stacey Mulligan highlighted a historic milestone for the district, recognizing the fi rst group of students to attend CityLab from freshman year through graduation. “This year, we celebrate CityBASILICA | FROM Page 6 ta celebrated the silver jubilee of his ordination to the priesthood and in 1955 in recognition of his extraordinary abilities and genius in fulfi lling his sacred and worldly responsibilities to Saint Anthony’s Parish, Father Pollatta was elevated by Pope Pius XII to the rank of domestic prelate, bearing the title of Right Reverend Monsignor. Monsignor Pallotta was the fi rst Italian American to achieve the rank in the Lab’s very fi rst cohort to attend CityLab from freshman year to graduation,” Mulligan said. “You are not just part of the fi rst. You are the reason it exists.” Mulligan refl ected on Revere’s history as a city of fi rsts, from hosting America’s fi rst public beach to its role in the American Revolution, drawing parallels between those milestones and CityLab’s emergence as Revere’s fi rst innovation high school. “Before there were traditions, before there was a roadmap, there was you,” she told graduates. “You built the culture. You created the energy. You defi ned what this school would stand for.” Mayor Patrick Keefe also addressed graduates, encouraging them to embrace both empathy and perseverance as they move into the next chapter of their lives. “Life can feel at times like a giant competition,” Keefe said. “I believe that the most powerful version of yourself is one that is both deeply empathetic and fi ercely unrelenting.” Keefe described empathy as a form of strength and intelligence, urging students to seek understanding even when conArchdiocese of Boston and the fi rst Revere Pastor ever to receive that designation. Monsignor Pallotta’s accomplishments as Pastor of Saint Anthony of Padua Church were many; among the most prominent of which was in eliminating the church debt; the raising of a substantial amount of money with which he improved all of the church grounds; the completion of the renovation and refurbishment of the massive interior of the church; and construcTHE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, JUNE 19, 2026 fronted with different viewpoints and experiences. “The world doesn’t need more people who are merely successful,” he said. “It needs more people who are kind, brave, and relentless in the pursuit of a better way.” Student speakers echoed many of the evening’s themes. Senior Class President Kepler Celamy refl ected on the relationships that shaped his experience in Revere Public Schools, recalling teachers, counselors, advisors, and classmates who helped him fi nd a sense of belonging. “Success isn’t just about fi nding what you want to do,” Celamy said. “It’s about fi nding the people who help you become who you’re meant to be.” Co-salutatorian Ethan Men, who will attend Harvard University in the fall, used stories about trying unfamiliar foods to encourage classmates to embrace uncertainty and take risks. “You won’t know when you’re ready,” Men said. “It’s a leap of faith. That’s all it is.” CityLab speaker Dulce Aguilar Cadenas refl ected on helping build a school community from the ground up and the tion of a new church rectory and the reconstruction of a new church bell tower. Monsignor Pallotta amazingly completed Saint Anthony’s Church that justified what Cardinal O’Connell often referred to Saint Anthony’s Church as, “ The Basilica on Revere Street.” (John J. Henry served as City Clerk of the City of Revere for 2 years from 1977 to 2009. He has written numerous articles about Revere and its people.) Page 7 unique experiences that came with attending a new school. “Completing our four years as CityLab students means more than just the achievement of completing high school,” Aguilar Cadenas said. “We’ve done much more than that by curating the experience for many other classes to come.” Co-salutatorian Rose Cao delivered a heartfelt address focused on mental health, vulnerability, and the importance of seeking support. “At the beginning of this year, I sought real mental health support,” Cao said. “After you take that fi rst step, seek solace in your community. You don’t need to face anything alone.” Cao urged classmates to prioritize their well-being and lean on trusted friends, family members, and mentors when facing challenges. Valedictorian Adam Ashour celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2026, highlighting students’ success in academics, athletics, internships, early college programs, robotics, speech and debate, JROTC, and other extracurricular activities. “We have directly competed against other public schools, charter schools, and private schools and prevailed,” Ashour said. “Revere High is on the map.” Ashour encouraged graduates to take full advantage of future opportunities while remembering the educators and family members who helped them reach graduation day. Following the student addresses, school leaders certifi ed that members of the Class of 2026 had fulfi lled all graduation requirements, and graduates crossed the stage to receive their diplomas. The ceremony concluded with a fi nal acknowledgment of CityLab’s founding class and a celebratory dismissal from Bowen and Mulligan as families erupted into cheers. For the graduates of Revere High School and CityLab Innovation High School, the evening marked the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Yet throughout the ceremony, one message resonated above all others: success is strongest when built together. As Bowen reminded graduates before they left the stadium, “The stage is yours now. Build community wherever you go.” Caps off to the Class of 2026. Congratulations! 100 Salem Turnpike, Saugus, MA 01906 WINWASTESAUGUS.COM
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